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Instrument Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

The Instrument/ Electrician Technician duties will vary but include troubleshooting and repairs of electric, electronic and control circuitry, programmable logic controllers, AC and DC motors ...

Populate the SmartPlant 3D environment with the requisite instrument information and use it to generate engineering deliverables * Coordinate with individuals from other disciplines and departments ...

The Instrument/ Electrician Technician duties will vary but include troubleshooting and repairs of electric, electronic and control circuitry, programmable logic controllers, AC and DC motors ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Senior Systems Engineer Compensation: $100k-$125k salary + 0.1%-0.2% equity + benefits BiomeSense ... Define interfaces and ensure the whole instrument behaves correctly. * Requirements & V&V: Capture ...

Showing results 21-40

Instrument Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$12.1K

$101.6K

$158.9K

How much do instrument engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for instrument engineer in Illinois is $101,647.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,100.00 and $127,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an instrument engineer do?

As an instrument engineer, your job is to design and build mechanical and electronic instruments for your employer. Most instruments are purpose-built to accomplish specific objectives, such as measuring the presence of particular chemicals or the pressure within pipes. Fulfilling the responsibilities and duties of an instrument engineer often requires creativity, flexibility, and the ability to coordinate with other engineers. You may also need to manage supplies, test instruments, or work overtime as needed to develop better instruments. This job title refers exclusively to designing and building instruments that measure or control processes and should not be confused with jobs that design and create musical instruments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an instrument engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Instrument Engineer, you need a solid background in instrumentation, control systems, and process automation, often supported by a degree in engineering and relevant industry experience. Familiarity with tools like PLCs, DCS, SCADA systems, and certifications such as ISA CAP or equivalent are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in designing, maintaining, and troubleshooting complex systems. These competencies are vital for ensuring the reliability, safety, and efficiency of industrial operations.

What are some common challenges instrument engineers face when working on multidisciplinary project teams?

Instrument Engineers often collaborate with process, electrical, and mechanical engineers, which can present challenges in aligning technical requirements and project timelines. Integrating instrumentation with complex systems requires clear communication to ensure proper data flow and control functionality. Adapting to evolving project specifications and troubleshooting issues during commissioning are also common, making flexibility and problem-solving skills essential. Building strong relationships with colleagues across disciplines helps streamline the process and achieve project goals efficiently.

Are instrument engineers in demand?

Instrument engineers are in demand in industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, and power generation, where they design, install, and maintain control systems and instrumentation. The profession requires technical skills, certifications, and knowledge of automation tools, and job opportunities are expected to grow with ongoing infrastructure and technological development.

What is the difference between Instrument Engineer vs Control Systems Engineer?

AspectInstrument EngineerControl Systems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Instrumentation Engineering; certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Control Engineering; similar certifications in control systems
Work EnvironmentOil & gas, manufacturing, chemical plants, focusing on instrumentation and process controlAutomation, manufacturing, power plants, focusing on control system design and integration
Employer & Industry UsageIndustries requiring precise instrumentation for process controlIndustries implementing automation and control system solutions

Both roles involve engineering expertise in process control, but Instrument Engineers focus on selecting, installing, and maintaining instrumentation devices, while Control Systems Engineers design and optimize control algorithms and systems. They often collaborate but serve different technical functions within industrial settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Instrument Engineer jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Instrument Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
Infographic showing various Instrument Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,647 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Instrument & Controls Engineer

CB&I Careers

Plainfield, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

CB&I delivers integrated storage and assetmanagement solutions that help customers operate safely, reliably, and efficiently across the lifecycle of their facilities. Through our two global business units - Storage Solutions, the world leader in tanks, terminals, and storage systems, and Asset Solutions, a leading provider of operations, management, wells and decommissioning services - we combine technical excellence with execution capability to extend asset life, optimize performance, and maximize value.


The Instrument & Controls (I&C) Engineer is responsible for defining appropriate instrumentation applications, development of instrument specifications and lists, material requisitioning, vendor document reviews, interface coordination, development and checking of assigned deliverables on CB&I Storage Solutions terminal projects.  The work includes among other things, conceptual studies, cost and planning studies, layouts, wiring schematics, process connection design, design calculations, review of vendor documentation, interface coordination and development of construction documents.  Over the course of time, capabilities for I&C design engineering must increase as level of complexity of assignments increases and expectations expand. Able to perform the work required independently with minimal supervision.  The role reports to the Engineering Manager and routinely interacts with other discipline engineers and designers such as: Project, Process, Mechanical, Civil Structural, Piping, Electrical, and Procurement as well as Suppliers/Manufacturers.


  • Accurately produce assigned deliverables per applicable design code, company standards and customer drawings and specifications.
  • Adhere to regulations and bylaws of local professional engineering jurisdictions and code of ethics in protection of the public and the environment.
  • Ensure designs and details are safe for field erection and use, with constructability in mind.
  • Reliably check and sign off on design calculations, specifications and other deliverables for customer approval or project use per applicable design code, company standards and customer drawings and specifications.
  • Compare designs and details to as-sold estimate and customer documents and advise project team of discrepancies and potential change notices.
  • Run programs to produce design calculations in designated software.
  • Review and approve vendor documentation and monitor interfaces between disciplines and vendors to ensure correct hardware, wiring, connections, etc. are considered.
  • Manage instrument requisitions and ensure expedient vendor document reviews.
  • Coordinate with other roles and functions on project team.
  • Forecast how long it will take to do a task – commit to definitive deadlines.
  • Provide mentoring and knowledge transfer to less experienced engineers.
  • Make decisions on project-specific details and advise project team.
  • Generate improvement ideas for tools and workflow associated to the role.
  • May include obtaining professional engineering license in at least one jurisdiction, and approving and stamping project deliverables as needed.
  • Effectively use document management system.
  • Effectively use project team or department collaboration and productivity apps and tools.

  • 5+ years of relevant experience.
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Technical discipline from an accredited school is required.
  • A Professional Engineering license in preferred.
  • Advanced verbal and written communication skills.

Organizational Structure 

  • Organizational level: P2
  • Reports to Engineering Manager
  • No direct reports
  • Process Technologies Engineering Office
  • May be temporarily assigned to Project Sites

  • Business presence and polish
  • Knowledge of CB&I products and markets
  • Proactively identifies and solves the complex problems
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Mentally agile and ability to multi-task and manage tight deadlines
  • Proven negotiating ability with high emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills
  • Demonstrated business partnering skills with the ability to influence the organization
  • Adaptability and agility to learn and contribute in varying and complex environments
  • A mature business and technical acumen coupled with a drive to achieve results
  • Exceptional communication and presentation skill, both written and verbal
  • Ability to work and build credibility across the business, up to and including senior management level
  • Proactively embraces and promotes the company’s values and culture, including diversity & inclusion and a healthy and safe work environment
  • Familiar and comfortable with understanding Process and Instrument Diagrams (P&IDs)
  • Knowledge or experience with process design is strongly beneficial

Benefits: 

CB&I is proud to offer eligible employees a robust package of benefits, including major medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k)-matching program, FSA/HSA programs, long- and short-term disability options, life insurance, and AD&D. We also offer eligible employees paid holidays and paid time off. Benefits eligibility for permanent positions may vary by full-time or part-time roles, location, or position. 

In accordance with applicable local and state laws or regulations, the compensation listed is the current estimated range for the position. Final offer details and future compensation may be determined by multiple factors, including, but not limited to, geographic location, market compensation data, skills, experience, and other relevant factors. Please discuss any compensation-related questions with your recruiter during the interview process. 

Pay Range 

$87,208-$109,000 /Annually